Within an hour of each other, CNN and Fox News respectively announced that they would be parting ways with media personalities Don Lemon and Tucker Carlson!
#1
Don Lemon Was "Stunned," Says He Wasn't "Given Any Indication" That He'd Be Fired
The news came on Monday, and Don Lemon aired the matter on Twitter, proclaiming that he had officially been “terminated.”
He was also sure to point out that, despite working at CNN for 17 years, he learned about the decision through his agent.
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly.”
He added, “At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network.”
Around the same time, a statement from CNN CEO Chris Licht began circulating.
Without going into detail, Licht thanked Lemon for “his contributions over the past 17 years” before noting, “We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors.”
Don Lemon OUT at CNN. Here is the note from Chris Licht. pic.twitter.com/9zfcaXwQ5s
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) April 24, 2023
#2
Don Lemon Has Been Embroiled In Controversy Lately
While on the subject, it’s important to note that Don Lemon’s termination follows some major controversy.
In February, Lemon faced widespread backlash after remarking that Nikki Haley (R-S.C.) was past her “prime” as a woman in her 50s, as The Shade Room previously reported.
Then, a Variety report published earlier this month further blasted Lemon, as it aired allegations of him exhibiting misogyny and “diva-like behavior” throughout the years.
In fact, one person who contributed to the report alleged that it eventually became evident that “Don was kind of volatile and didn’t say good things about women.”
#3
Fox News Parted Ways With Tucker Carlson As Well
Lemon isn’t the only media figure to lose his job on Monday, as Fox News announced it would be parting ways with Tucker Carlson.
This decision was shared in a brief announcement, which pointed out that the parties had “mutually agreed to part ways.”
“Fox News Media and Tucker Carlson have mutually agreed to part ways. Tucker’s last show was this past Friday.”
The statement wrapped with Fox thanking Carlson for “his service” to the company.
“We want to thank Tucker Carlson for his service to the network as [a] host, and prior to that as a longtime contributor.”
Notably, NBC News reports that this announcement comes about a week after Fox agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems nearly $800M to avoid a defamation trial.
#4
Twitter Reacts To Don Lemon & Tucker Carlson Losing Their Jobs
As a result of the news about Don Lemon and Tucker Carlson, people had quite a bit to say, and the memes came flooding in.
Check out some reactions below.
Don Lemon and Tucker Carlson meeting on the unemployment line on the same day: pic.twitter.com/AZxDS6Uspj
— Leon Langford (@MasonLLL) April 24, 2023
Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon on Tubi News pic.twitter.com/jLnz5unVZV
— Chase (@chasekr8) April 24, 2023
CNN and FOX sat down in a room and said we ride at dawn… pic.twitter.com/sVMfSQXai1
— Mike Gauyo 🇭🇹 (@blackboywrites) April 24, 2023
Has there ever been a more stunning 24 hours in the world of media?
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) April 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/itgetsbedder/status/1650556469660594180?s=20
Don Lemon and Tucker Carson headed to work this morning pic.twitter.com/pJ0ItfaBtO
— Andouille Have A Problem? (@gotdamnocles) April 24, 2023
